Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson a quick study in second season

Notes: Defenseman is making huge strides, and it's resulting in more playing time

by Jim Gintonio - Dec. 3, 2011 07:56 PMThe Arizona Republic

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a quick study.

He has made huge strides in his second season. The young defenseman has been paired with veteran Adrian Aucoin and he has responded well.

"That pair have been good for us," coach Dave Tippett said. "They've played real quality minutes, real stable minutes. (Ekman-Larsson) has taken another step from his rookie year. That's a hard position to play."

Ekman-Larsson, who had a career high in ice time (25:37) earlier this season, ranks fourth on the team (19:32). Good in his own zone, he also has exhibited an offensive flair and has five goals, which lead the defensemen, and his nine points ranks second among blueliners to Keith Yandle's 15.

"The experiences he's gone through are benefiting him now, and he continues to grow as a player," Tippett said. He's a guy that's earned those extra minutes."

Ekman-Larsson said associate coach Jim Playfair, who handles the defensemen, has been a big help.

"It's good out there, and you always want to play big minutes, so it's fun to play and the last couple of games I have played over 20 minutes. So, it's good for me and I really like it," Ekman-Larsson said.

He cites stronger play in the defensive zone as his biggest area of improvement, but his goal is to have well-rounded games.

"I try to join the rush and make some good plays in the 'O' zone, too, so I play more my game this year," he said.

Defenseman Derek Morris, who teams with Yandle, has had a great view of Ekman-Larsson this season.

"His composure with the puck is way better than it was, and his positioning's amazing," he said. "I think he's learned a lot. Obviously the offensive side has been there with Oliver, but I think in his own zone, he's really, really sound and it shows."

Power-play concern

Since scoring a power-play goal in a 4-2 win over Edmonton on Nov. 5, the Coyotes were 1-for-31 (over their past 11 games) before Saturday's match-up against the Flyers. Their power play ranks 27th in the league.

"It's an area we keep pounding away at," Tippett said. "We continue to practice it. We're looking for better results without a doubt."

Almost ready

Injured defenseman Michal Rozsival was cleared for contact on Friday. Now all that stands between the blue liner and a return to the ice is improving his conditioning.

"We'll work him hard for the next little bit here and see when he can get back into the game," Tippett said.

Rozsival took a puck in the face in the season-opener and has been sidelined ever since. The Coyotes defense has weathered the loss of Rozsival quite well, with solid play from David Schlemko and Ekman-Larsson, but the unit could undoubtedly use Rozsival's experience.

"He's a good veteran defenseman, very good player," Tippett said. "Our group of D has actually been pretty good, and, knock on wood, we haven't had any real nicks out there. It'll be good to get Rosy back in the fold and get him up and running."

Ice chips

Coyotes center Daymond Langkow spent three seasons with the Flyers (1998-2001), scoring 41 goals and 127 points in 209 games. In his second season, he ranked fourth in the league with 94 takeaways.

- Flyers forward Danny Briere was a Coyotes first-round draft pick (24th overall) in 1996. He played 258 games for the Coyotes and ranks 38th on the all-time franchise scoring list.